[The toxicity of different crude oils on mussel larva]

Five natural oils of varied origins, mixed with sea water by stirring, have been shown to be toxic for mussel larvae, which have been contaminated during one hour. This toxicity, expressed by the mortality percentage and the growth rate after contamination, was dependent on the type and the concentration of oil. The tests were carried out on 20 h old and 5 days old larvae, and were similar and complementary.